Contributed by Maine State Museum
Description
This alcoholometer set made by Charles Gerletti of Glasgow, Scotland consists of a cylindrical mahogany box four inches in diameter, holding numbered glass bulbs used for testing the alcohol content (proof) of distilled spirits. The buoyancy of each bulb corresponds to the density of a specific alcohol content in such a way that each bulb will sink in spirits matching or exceeding its designated proof. A numbered list on the inside of the box lid gives the strengths of spirits the kit can measure, ranging from "very weak" to "spirits of wine" (purified ethanol). The numbers on the list correspond to the numbers on the glass bulbs but not to a known system of measuring proof.
Charles Gerletti of Glasgow, Scotland, was born outside Great Britain circa 1792. He made barometers, other measuring instruments, and mirrors in Glasgow between 1828 and his death in 1848.
Although it is not currently known whether this alcoholometer set was ever used in Maine, it is similar to sets that were in use as of the late 18th Century. For instance, the estate of Daniel Haggens (1755-1787) of Berwick included "1 box of glass bubbles to prove spiritous liquors" that was appraised at a value of 3 shillings.
(Photograph by Jay York)
About This Item
- Title: Alcoholometer set by Charles Gerletti of Glasgow, made 1834-1839
- Creator: Charles Gerletti
- Creation Date: circa 1836
- Subject Date: circa 1836
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
- Media: Mahogany, glass, felt, paper
- Local Code: 97.2.13
- Collection: Katharine H. Sheaffer Collection of American Glass
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
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Other Keywords
- Alcoholic beverages
- Alcoholometers
- Distilled spirits
- Hydrometers
- Liquor
- Measuring tools
- Scientific instruments
- test kit
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine State MuseumMaine State Museum, 230 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-2301
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
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